Top 10 Old Houses Under $50,000: May 2016 Edition

Pocket doors, stunning staircases, original trim, beautiful mantels, turrets and gingerbread….Here are the top 10 old houses for sale under $50,000 for May 2016.

302 Thomas, Callender, IA50523

$49,000

Source: Coldwell Banker.

If green acres and farm living are the life for you, then this circa 1890 Victorian in Iowa’s farm country could be just the property you are looking for. This lovely home has a corn field in the rear and a farm across the street. Note the large yard, great front porch, fabulous turret, and the master bedroom has a sleeping porch! The kitchen is ugly but workable, and there are two bathrooms – one with built-ins. Hardwood floors, leaded and stained glass windows, a beautiful staircase and original trim are appealing aspects of this once grand farmhouse. It also has a heated two-car garage. I’m thinking square dances and quilting bees.

402 W. Cedar Street, Franklin, KY42134

$49,900

Source: Coldwell Banker.

This circa 1895 Victorian sits on a pretty landscaped lot on a lovely street of gorgeous older homes. Each home is more beautiful than the next, but with some hard work, this one could be the belle of the ball. (Note the church steeple in the background.) A wrap-around porch, gingerbread and floor-to-ceiling windows make an appealing exterior. Inside, just look at that ornate newel post! It’s a beauty, as are the pocket doors, multiple fireplaces and hardwood floors. Truly, this home could be the showcase of the neighborhood.

801 Sunset Ave., Rocky Mount, NC

Source: Coldwell Banker

I can’t believe the under $50,000 price tag of this turn of the century Victorian. It is absolutely beautiful inside!! A gorgeous wrap-around porch, original front door with transom and sidelights leads you into a spacious and elegant foyer. Just look at that stunning staircase! Yellow is my favorite color, so I’m totally in love with the first floor of this wonderful two-family home. The realtor states, “Generous room sizes, tall ceilings, details everywhere – leaded windows, interesting fireplaces, butler’s pantry, second floor sunroom or sleeping room… wood floors and heavy moldings!” Not to mention a clawfoot tub, French doors, interior doors with transoms, and vintage pink and teal bathroom tile to die for. It was used as a duplex, so it can be a moneymaker, or it’s ideal for a large or multi-generational family.

Summerville, Georgia

$42,000

Source: OldHouses.com

Here’s another wonderful old house brought to you courtesy of OldHouses.com. This circa 1840 Colonial, known locally as the “Old Methodist Parsonage,” is located in the charming Georgia town of Summerville. Only three families have owned this historic house, and it is thought to be the oldest brick house in the county. Every room has original doors, trim and wood floors. Note the wonderful mantel and spacious sunlit rooms. The current owners demolished a waterlogged 1950s addition, and the home has been cleared of debris, inside and out. Best thing – owner financing may be available with 20% down. For the complete listing, click here.

305 Upper Catlett St, Hickman, KY 42050

$49,900

Source: ColdwellBanker

My husband has always wanted a stone house like this circa 1911 American Foursquare with wrap around porch. That is some porch. Look at the columns and the newer decking! From there you walk into a stunning foyer with hardwood floors and an absolutely fantastic staircase. Formal living and dining rooms, gorgeous fireplace mantels (even one in the bedroom!), a pantry, high ceilings and oak trim. For those who love fishing and boating, this wonderful move-in ready beauty is near the Mississippi River and tributaries. Here’s what the realtor has to say, “Stately two story with wrap around porch and large lot, this 1911 dwelling has beautiful oak millwork – fireplace, staircase, pocket doors. The large rooms form a functional floor plan with little wasted space. The grounds are enhanced with fruit trees, oak leaf hydrangea, peonies and other mature plantings as well as an iron gazebo. This house is large yet cozy, formal yet comfortable and move-in ready yet affordable.”

202 N Sheridan St,Ridgeville, IN 47380
3 beds 2 baths 2,375 sqft

$47,200

Source: Zillow.com.

Many thanks to the lovely Patty Louk for sending me this fabulous circa 1870 home in Ridgeville, Indiana! It truly is a gem. Just look at that gorgeous curved staircase. Those things were built to precision, and were quite expensive. The house also has a back staircase, and note the stunning moldings! I’ve not seen anything quite like those before in a house at this price point. The kitchen is amazing and the bathrooms are updated, too. Really, what more could you ask for for $47,200?

2601 Washington, Cairo, IL62914

$50,000

Source: Coldwell Banker

If you love America Foursquares as I do, then you’re going to to say, “Wow!” to this one! This circa 1911 beauty is located in the historic district of Cairo, IL, (pronounced Care-O) a small town situated at the confluence of the Mississippi and Ohio Rivers. The home is all brick with a tile roof, bay windows, a screened-in porch and a fabulous brick garage. Tall ceilings, hardwood floors, arched doorways and a lovely sunroom are just a few of this gem’s outstanding features. Can you believe that oak staircase? With its unique configuration, large Palladian window and window seat, it has to be the most standout staircase I’ve seen so far in a house under $50,000. A brick fireplace on the first floor, a fireplace in the bedroom, a wonderful rear portico and a lovely yard add to #2601 Washington Street’s appeal.

In a most understated way, here’s what the realtor has to say, “All brick 100 year old home with tile roof located in the historical district of Cairo. Interior features stainless steel countertops in the kitchen, beautiful oak stair case, stained glass window, large rooms throughout, detached two car garage with storage.”

See full listing here.

512 NW Main St, Collins, GA30421

$49,900

Source: Coldwell Banker

Located in a rural town of less than 600 people and about one hour west of Savannah, this circa 1910 farmhouse is the place to be for those looking for a home in the country, yet close to a large city and beaches. Sit on your wide front porch and enjoy more than one acre of land full of flowering and fruit trees. An old, charming home with newer updates that fit into the style of the home. Who can beat that for this price? Note the gorgeous mantels, high ceilings and original bead board, then consider that the kitchen and bath don’t need a total redo.

Straight from the realtor’s mouth, “This home has so much to offer!! It has all new floor coverings, paint, windows and so much more! While still harboring that turn of the century charm with some of the original bead board. lap siding, high ceilings, interior doors and even the original claw foot tub!! Not to mention that the property itself is loaded with pecan trees, magnolias, camellias and even fig trees!”

2054 Market Street, Dover, KY41034

$42,000

Source: ColdwellBanker

Located in a rural Kentucky town with just over 200 people, this circa 1849 house is a true gem, but I’m having difficulty categorizing the style. The porch columns and trim remind me of Greek Revival, however the beautiful gable window is reminiscent of Carpenter Gothic. What do you think? The original front door opens into a lovely foyer with a stunning staircase and natural wood trim and doors. Large double doors open into the formal living room with fireplace. Six over six windows, hardwood floors and vintage lighting fixtures add to the home’s appeal. The kitchen definitely needs work, but take a gander at the fireplace with exposed brick! How great is it to have a fireplace in the kitchen?! And that second floor window is just amazing.

Here’s what the realtor has to say about the house, “Project home, needs TLC but could be restored to the wonderful old home it was. Great cherry hardwoods on main floor, majestic pin oaks and other mature shade trees. Large level yard. Bring your tape and pencil and find a true Mason Co. Bargain! Current owners just replaced the roof.”

601 W 7th St., Erie, PA 16502

$45,000

Source: Realtor.com

This circa 1882 Victorian is a beauty! I’m in love with the yellow exterior juxtaposed against the red shutters and blue details. A beautifully landscaped yard on a lovely tree-lined street of gorgeous older homes adds to its appeal. But wait. The interior has so many stunning original details, that I can’t process the ridiculous $45,000 price tag on this gem. Look at all that natural woodwork in the formal living room. Then feast your eyes on that fabulous staircase and fireplace with green tiles! I can’t resist a fireplace with green tiles. Slide your eyes over to the arched doorway with French doors, sidelights and built-in glass-front cabinets on either side. Amazing! The dining room has great interior doors, hardwood floors and a fireplace, as does the upstairs bedroom. Wow!